If there is one album that perfectly embodies the aesthetics, sound and paranoia of the late 1980s, it is EVILDEAD’s “Annihilation Of Civilisation”. Originally released in 1989, this record has always been considered a cult gem, perhaps overshadowed by the giants of the Bay Area, but revered by true connoisseurs. Now, in 2026, Steamhammer / SPV is bringing this masterpiece back to the shelves with a new edition that finally gives justice to the sonic fury of the Los Angeles band. The work done for this Steamhammer edition is commendable. The sound has not been distorted or overly “modernised”, thanks to Bill Metoyer’s remastering work; on the contrary, the low end has been cleaned up, allowing Mel Sanchez’s (R.I.P.) bass to pulse with a definition that was somewhat lost in the old pressings. Juan Garcia and Albert Gonzales’ guitars cut like razors. The production retains the ‘grit’ necessary for Thrash Metal / Crossover, but with a volume and dynamics suited to modern sound systems. Listening to the title track today is a physical experience: the wall of sound is compact, aggressive and crystal clear. ‘Annihilation Of Civilisation’ hasn’t aged a day. The opener ‘F.C.I. / The Awakening’ sets the stage for the explosion of the title track, a hymn to nuclear destruction that is pure adrenaline. But it is in songs like ‘The Hood’ (with its cult intro) and ‘Gone To Earth’ that EVILDEAD show their uniqueness: a lethal mix of Thrash Speed and Hardcore Punk attitude, typical of the Venice Beach / L.A. scene. And it is precisely in this typicality that the bonus tracks of this new version fit perfectly, which are none other than the 1989 EP “Rise Above” and the track “B.O.H.I.C.A.”, already present in the CD version of the time. The EP in particular gives us a clear idea of how closely Thrash Metal was linked to Hardcore Punk (remember SLAYER’s covers of MINOR THREAT!?) and in fact the cover of BLACK FLAG, which also gives the EP its name, stands out above all others. Honourable mention for the aesthetic care. Ed Repka’s legendary cover shines in this version. The colours are vivid and the artwork has been reproduced with impressive fidelity, making the physical format (especially if you opt for vinyl) a must-have collector’s item. Go check www.facebook.com/evildead.official or www.facebook.com/steamhammer for this killer re-release.